It’s said that some people eat to live while others live to eat. Or, as TRIBALÍ founder Angela Bicos Mavridis says, we should all eat to thrive.
In the modern world, ancestral ways of eating have largely gone to the wayside. But, thanks to TRIBALÍ foods, no one has to settle for binders, fillers, or preservatives when things get busy. From their chipotle-accented chicken to their aromatic Thai turkey patties, TRIBALÍ is 100% organic, antibiotic-free, and delicious.
Recently, we caught up with Angela to learn more about her journey and hear her advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
01 Why did you start TRIBALÍ Foods?
Ironically, the inspiration for TRIBALÍ came from my 35 years of vegetarianism and distaste for the commercial meat industry. Everything changed when I became a Holistic Nutritionist and discovered the wonderful health benefits of well-sourced organic meat. Today, we source high-quality meats and real, fresh ingredients from local vendors to create globally inspired flavor profiles. As I like to say, TRIBALÍ is made with love in my kitchen, with ingredients from your kitchen.
02 What obstacles did you face along the way?
There was a steep learning curve that came with launching a brand new company. Since we produce raw frozen meat, there were lots of regulations and guidelines for me to learn and follow.
Then, we had to identify the right co-packer, fine-tune our production, and establish our delivery and distribution plan. There were serious challenges at every intersection, but that’s the beauty of being an entrepreneur. If you have grit, there’s no obstacle that you can’t overcome. Sometimes you just need to pivot and be agile enough to learn from others who are ahead of you on this journey.
03 What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
My advice would be to have your “why” dialed in. If you have a strong reason for why you exist, your passion will shine. From that strong desire to succeed, you’ll find persistence and perseverance.
I also highly suggest finding mentors who have already done what you’re trying to accomplish. Follow their lead. Get a few key advisors on your team who can help guide you.
Always remember that when your passion is strong enough, giving up is not an option. In order to succeed in life, you must have unwavering faith, relentless commitment, and an extraordinary work ethic. You will encounter doubt, failures, and negativity from others. Just keep pushing through!
04 What’s on the horizon for TRIBALÍ Foods?
I want to continue using my brand and platform to educate people on their food, from production to consumption. My company’s mission has always been to consider the environment, the animal, and the consumer when developing our products.
In the near term, we plan on staying in the freezer aisle. We will be launching an expanded line of fully-prepared frozen meals in 2021 to compliment our current offerings. In the long-term, we’re seeking a financial partner who can help our brand grow even further. Ultimately, our goal is to make a difference on everyone’s plate.
05 How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
I think it’s very important to stay mindful of all the key health pillars. That includes sleep, nutrition, exercise, mental wellbeing, spirituality, and your version of self-care. Personally, I wind up suffering when work shifts those things out of balance. That’s why I try to get 6-8 hours of quality sleep every night. During the day, I keep a well-balanced Paleo-ish diet, full of nutrient-dense vegetables, meats, and seafood. I also exercise every day, whether it’s a walk, hike, run, bike ride, or a resistance training session. Plus, I make sure to meditate daily. All together, my regimen keeps me present and ready to overcome anything that life throws my way.